Pop gives Simmons trial by fire

In the past 10 days, Spurs rookie guard Jonathon Simmons has found himself matched up against Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving and LeBron James.

It’s a good thing Simmons, in coach Gregg Popovich’s words, is “fearless.”

“I don’t pay attention to the names on the jerseys,” said Simmons, who at this time last season was in the Developmental League. “I look at it as a learning experience. It’s my first time playing these guys at a high level. I’m looking forward to playing those guys many more times.”

Despite the elite-level competition the Spurs have faced in the past week, Popovich has shown no qualms about sending Simmons and second-year forward Kyle Anderson to trial by fire.

“We’re giving (Simmons) and Kyle minutes to try and prepare them to become real pros and real contributors in the league,” Popovich said.